What is typical schedule of healthy vet visits? And insurance question...

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

Rippley is our first family dog obviously, and I am realizing that now that since he is done with shots, we won't see the vet unless he is sick? Is that typical? Do we only return for his one year birthday visit, and then again annually? I will have to rely on my DK friends for general info/advice/knowledge about Rippley's routine care even more so, if this is the case!
Plus, I have been delaying getting insurance for him, trying to decide the risk/benefit numbers annually. But, I just heard that I should not wait because after six months of age, the prices per month go up! Is this accurate? Not sure if I want to commit for years and years of a monthly payment. But, if he regularly gets expensively sick, then I will kick myself ;) what to do?
TIA!

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

Thanks so much! :-) same for you all...

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

It will be good peace of mind Cindy.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Good for you!!!  Pre-planning this makes for a healthy, healthy dog!  Just like washing your car guarantees rain! :-}

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Insurance

Bottom line, unless you have a lot of money and can put this in a savings account GET INSURANCE!

If your dog suddenly needed a CAT Scan could you put that money up front?  $3,000 is the cost of the scans.  Or, would you have to make the awful decision to put your dog down because you either pay now or let them die?

Many each day are forced with this decision.  No money, no service. Dogs die because an owner can not keep up with unexpected emergencies.

If you dog ate a sock or rock and had emergency surgery today, another $3,000 are you up for that one too just a month after the CAT Scan?

Just because your dog is young, do not let this give you a false sense of  security.  Pet Insurance is the most reasonable annual cost I have.  My last premium in February for a 5 year old dog was around $300

Visits

My vet, on the bottom of each bill at check out, states when the dog needs his next exam or shots.

Your vet should let you know when you need to be in the office again.  

 Kennel Cough vaccine is every six months.  Some get it for a year, ours is 6 months. There are different types.  

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

Yes, my vet lets me know via email, but I like to hear what other vets do, too! I am just being my annoying perfectionist self, trying to ensure we are doing right. ;)
And, we ponied up for health insurance! I am happy with our decision. Thx so much for the feedback!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

What a relief you must feel!    May it be the most money you ever wasted and you NEVER have to use it  :)  

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

My Doodles only get a full exam (and booster shots) annually, but I do a fecal every six months.  As for insurance, I personally have received more in reimbursements than I have paid in premiums over the four years that I've had it....and for a couple of really huge vet bills I am so thankful that I had it.

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

Thanks, glad for the feedback. Hope G and M are doing okay though. And, are you checking for worms in the fecal? Is there a reason I should ask for this, too? Thx!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Yes, fecals are done for the check of worms: round, hook, and tape. Your Vet should do at least one per year..